“Yeah, why?”
Was it possible she’d misunderstood? That Gray had gone out of town with his friend? But didn’t Patrick’s family live in Asheville? That was two hours away. Seemed kind of too far to drive when he had to be at the store bright and early for the big sale.
Her dad was waiting for her reply. “No reason.”
Shelby gathered the pie plates, took them to the kitchen, and set them in the dishwater. Either Gray was out of town or he’d lied about his plans. Whichever it was, she was determined to find out.
Chapter 36
Gray disassembled the deli sandwich and placed the turkey in the microwave. As the machine hummed and the plate spun, he tossed the single-serving bag of barbecue chips onto the table. This might be the most pathetic Thanksgiving dinner he’d ever had. Even back when Dad had spent the holiday drunk, his grandma made sure Gray was well fed.
A pang of loss hit him hard. Granny had been his rock. So proud of him when he’d gotten a college degree. So happy for him when he settled at a good company where he was appreciated and respected. He’d felt a bit unmoored since her passing. Though being back here in her home brought a sliver of comfort.
How had he found himself in his late twenties with no close friends? Didn’t most men have a guy friend or two from college he could count on? His grandma had always said he pushed people away. He used to scoff at that. But maybe she was right.
His gaze caught on Shadow, who sat at his feet, aiming a pair of hope-filled eyes his way. Gray had even pushed the dog away. Tried anyway. That didn’t seem to be working out so well. The little mutt was worming his way into Gray’s heart. He’d gotten used to his paws clicking behind him on the wood floors. To his wet nose waking him every morning.
It was probably time for Gray to start taking a chance on people. Animals. Whatever.
He wasn’t going to find someone to take the mutt. Wasn’t even going to try. He peered down at the dog, something like affection warming him through. “I guess you’re stuck with me. How do you feel about that?”
Shadow’s gaze darted to the open-faced sandwich and back to Gray.
“Really? That’s your response? That’smyfood. Here’s yours.” He nudged the bowl with his foot. It was filled with the expensive dog food the pet store employee had talked him into. Probably had as much real meat as the sandwich Gray was about to eat.
He turned his attention to the darkened window over the sink. The moonlight cut a shimmering path across the lake. The sight brought back the memory of Shelby and him on that boat almost two weeks ago. Brought back all those feelings that had swamped him as she lay shivering in his arms. He could no longer deny the attraction was still there.
Attraction? Really, pal?
He gave a wry huff. Who was he kidding? The feelings were still there, vibrating with life. Maybe they’d gone dormant while he’d been away. But being with her again had resurrected them. And just like that he was head over heels with a woman who belonged to someone else.
Déjà vu.
Maybe that had worked out for him back then, but everything was different this time. He lived hours away and Shelby had built a full life here without him. Maybe she’d forgiven him for leaving without a word—and that felt really good. Downright amazing really. But it was a far cry from trusting him again. That much was clear from the professional distance she’d put in place after that night on the water.
The microwave dinged. He withdrew the plate and stacked the steaming turkey on the wilted bed of lettuce. He pivoted to the table, Shadow underfoot, and sat down to his dinner in a spot that offered him a view of the game playing on TV.
After a brief prayer he opened his eyes to find Shadow gawking at him. The dog licked his chops and emitted a pitiful whimper.
Oh, what was one little bite? It was Thanksgiving after all. He pulled a piece of turkey from the sandwich and held it out. “Just this one piece—then you go over there and eat the doggy cuisine I practically took out a loan for.”
As Shadow gulped down the meat, lights cut across the living room. The hum of a motor grew louder. Must be company for the neighbors.
But no. Sounded like the car was right outside in his driveway. He pushed from the chair and strode to the foyer, where he peered out the sidelight.
Shelby.
He drew back with a frown. He was supposed to be at Patrick’s right now. But there was no hiding the fact he was home. His car was in the drive. His lights were on. He’d been caught. Caught having no real friends or family to take pity on him. Why did it have to be Shelby of all people?
The engine went silent. A car door closed.
No escaping this. Bracing himself, he ran his fingers through his hair. Wished he wore something nicer than the sweats and T-shirt in which he’d been lounging in front of ESPN all day.
The doorbell pealed. He waited a few seconds, then opened the door. “Shelby. What are you doing here?”
“What amIdoing here? What areyoudoing here?”
He shrugged. “Change of plans.”
